A NORTH Yorkshire councillor has warned against the piecemeal exploitation of the lakes left behind by quarrying along the banks of the River Swale.

Scorton's Councillor Michael Heseltine has been a leading light in the campaign for a comprehensive strategy for the countryside between Richmond and Northallerton, chairing the newly-renamed Mid Swale Lakes Working Group.

Its objective is to promote long-term policies, which could see a hotel and exhibition centre, boating lakes, a golf course and wildlife reserves established in the area.

However, reports that some landowners have been preparing their own plans for land have prompted concern that a co-ordinated approach could be at risk.

Coun Heseltine told a meeting of the North Yorkshire County Council Richmondshire area committee this week: "We must all be working together towards an overall strategy, rather than each individual doing their own thing.

"Moreover, we have, of necessity, to think of a very long-term strategy."